MAGA “loyalists” are making moves to oust senators who are not in line with President Donald Trump, according to an Axios report.
Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) are all at risk of facing a primary challenge in 2026.
Cornyn is a loud critic of Trump over several issues, including the deficit and border security.
MAGA would prefer to see Texas' Attorney General Ken Paxton fill the seat, Axios wrote. Paxton was impeached by the state House on bribery and corruption charges in 2023.
According to the outlet, Tillis crossed the president — and the MAGA movement — by voting against the nomination of Ed Martin to be U.S. attorney for D.C.
He was also inclined to vote against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s nomination, but eventually folded.
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The president’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, would likely be the primary challenger, but she has not announced if she will run.
Axios says Former Governor Roy Cooper appears increasingly likely to run on the Democratic ticket.
Cassidy voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6. Axios believes “Louisiana is safer for Republicans” because both Cornyn and Tillis are predicted to face strong democratic candidates.
According to the report, several far-right, Trump-endorsed congressional candidates have coasted to the GOP nomination. However, some ended up losing the general election.
MAGA activists, like influencer Jack Posobiec, believe the potential loss in 2026 is worth the challenge. “MAGA is sick of RINOs (Republicans in name only), especially in states Trump won. And in a state like Texas, it's inexcusable," he told Axios.
Trump has not made endorsements in any of these races. The outlet said, “By holding off [an endorsement], he maintains leverage over Cornyn and Tillis, whose support he needs to pass his legislative agenda.”
The White House did not respond to Axios' request for comment.